Robert W. "Bob" Fitzgerald, age 78, of Portage, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016. He was born on November 3, 1937 in Hebron, Indiana to the late Vondall and Jennie Fitzgerald. On July 11, 1959, he married the love of his life, Irene Rich, who preceded him in death. Bob retired after 30 years from Bethlehem Steel. He was a dedicated member of Grace Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon and volunteered. In his free time, Bob enjoyed bowling and playing horseshoes.

Bob is survived by his sons, Vondall Fitzgerald, Sr. of Portage, Wayne Fitzgerald of Portage; daughters, Crystal (Earl) Tapley of Lake Station, Dawn (Gary) Bundy of Rippey, Iowa; 15 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; brothers, Louis (Joan) Fitzgerald, Delmar (Thelma) Fitzgerald, Charles (Theresa) Fitzgerald, Bruce (Mary Ann) Fitzgerald; sisters, Katherine Kemmerly, and Florence Cole.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Irene Fitzgerald; five grandchildren; 7 brothers; and one sister.

Visitation for Bob will be held Tuesday, October 18, 2016 from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Avenue, Portage, IN. A funeral service for Bob will take place Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 10:00 am at Grace Baptist Church, 5785 Mulberry Ave., Portage with Rev. Randy Forsythe officiating. He will be laid to rest at Maplewood Cemetery in Crown Point, IN. For more information, please call (219) 762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.